Who is Patrique Habboo? A Deep Dive

This article covers everything you need to know about Patrique Habboo: his background, career, influence, and what he brings to the table. If you came here to understand why his name is showing up and what he does, you’re in the right place.

Background & Early Life

Patrique Habboo was born in September 1961.
His heritage includes Iraqi roots: his family originated in Baghdad, and they had owned “The Baghdad Hotel” according to a media interview with his daughter.
What’s important here: his background is international, which seems to have given him both cultural exposure and an understanding of global networks.

Do note: While some sources present a fuller narrative including a birth month and specific age (63 in 2025) that may not be formally verified.
As with all professional profiles, treat the details (age, early roles) as indicative rather than iron‑clad fact.

Career Path & Professional Focus

Matrix Interim Management

Patrique is Managing Partner at Matrix Interim Management (UK), which he helped establish and has led since 2013.
His prior experience includes leadership of the interim management practice at Boyden Interim Management from 2008 onward.

At Matrix, the focus is:

• Intermediate to senior “interim executives” (i.e., high‑level, short‑term, mission‑critical leadership roles).
• Complex searches rather than high‑volume mid‑tier placements. Habboo described the work as higher risk/higher reward: “…the demand for the very best talent is always high… these are high profile, mission critical assignments.”

Specialisation in Senior Interim Roles

Here are key attributes of his professional niche:

• C‑suite and direct‑report executives (CEOs, CFOs, programme/transformation directors).
• Interim assignments that are transformative — restructuring, post‑merger integration, etc. As one article puts it: “His deep knowledge of industry trends, business psychology, and organisational behaviour enables him to guide both clients and candidates through high‑stakes decisions.”
• Boutique positioning rather than mass recruiters—fewer placements, more bespoke.

For anyone analysing or benchmarking executive search/interim leadership firms, understanding this business model (narrow high‑impact niche) is useful.

Heritage, Family & Personal Aspects

Patrique’s family and heritage add context (not just fluff) to his identity and potentially his networks.

• His daughter is Sophie Habboo (known from media/TV) and she acknowledges his Iraqi ancestry: “My Iraqi heritage comes from my dad… my family is originally from Baghdad…”
• The family narrative includes owning the “Baghdad Hotel” in Iraq, which underlines long‑standing family enterprise.
• According to the UK Companies House filings, Patrique holds directorships (or has held) including with Matrix Interim Management Ltd and had appointments listed.

What this tells us: his cultural heritage and international background may inform his global mindset and networks, which are valuable in high‑end executive search. It’s not just about having credentials but the lived experience of cross‑border enterprise.

Why His Work Matters: Industry Influence

Why should you care about Patrique Habboo’s career? Because his domain — interim executive leadership — is increasing in relevance across business. Consider:

1. High volatility environments: Organisations facing digital transformation, post‑merger integration, or leadership gaps increasingly turn to seasoned interim executives.
2. Specialist firms like Matrix signal the premium placed on fit and impact over volume. Habboo’s positioning emphasises high‑stakes, not commodity placements.
3. Global/cultural dimension: With his roots and experience, Habboo embodies a bridging of markets—UK, Middle East, perhaps beyond. That matters when organisations operate internationally.
4. Thought Leadership & visibility: Although not a household name, articles profiling him suggest he is regarded as an “industry expert” in his field.

So, when assessing firms for interim leadership or looking at career paths in executive search, understanding his model provides a blueprint.

Key Takeaways

• Patrique Habboo is a seasoned veteran in the interim executive placement market, currently leading Matrix Interim Management.
• His firm differentiates by focusing on senior‑level, complex assignments rather than high‑volume recruitment.
• His heritage and personal background (Iraqi roots, family enterprise) add a dimension of global perspective.
• For anyone in HR, organisational development, talent management or executive search, his work illustrates a strategic niche: not just filling roles, but enabling organisational transformation through leadership.
• While public information is available, some details (net worth, full early‑career timeline) are less verifiable; treat those with caution.

FAQs

1. What does Patrique Habboo do?
Patrique works as Managing Partner at Matrix Interim Management, placing senior interim executives in mission‑critical leadership roles.

2. Where is Patrique Habboo originally from?
His family background traces to Baghdad, Iraq, though he is resident in the UK and works in London‑based firms.

3. What kind of roles does his company place?
Typically C‑suite and direct‑report roles, especially in transformation, leadership transition, or interim executive functions.

4. Is there a Wikipedia page for Patrique Habboo?
As of now, there is no dedicated Wikipedia page; most information comes from professional profiles and media articles.

5. Why is his heritage mentioned in media?
Because his daughter, Sophie Habboo, publicly referenced their Iraqi family origins and the family business in Baghdad, drawing additional attention to his background.

Conclusion

Patrique Habboo stands out in the niche field of senior interim executive search. His leadership at Matrix Interim Management, his strategic focus on high‑impact roles, and his global cultural roots make his profile worth knowing—especially for professionals in talent management or executive search. If you’re exploring organisations that match top‑level interim leaders to critical roles, his model is one to study.

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